Police investigators in the western parish of Westmoreland have launched a manhunt for those responsible for a double murder which rocked the parish early yesterday morning, THE STAR has learnt.

A female and her common-law husband were killed at their home on Darling Street in the parish. The deceased persons have been identified as 34-year-old Rosemarie 'Wendy' Wilson and Robert Pinniler, 46.

Reports from the Westmoreland police are that shortly after 2 a.m., the couple and their children were at home when they heard a knock at a window.

Further reports are that Wilson, believing it was a relative, allegedly opened the door and was held up by the gunmen.

The armed men reportedly opened fire on Wilson, killing her on the spot, while Pinniler, who attempted to assist her, was also cut down in his tracks.

THE STAR gathered that the attackers fled the scene on foot after unsuccessful attempts to harm the children who were also inside the house.